Why audiences fell in love with two comedians who seemingly hate everyone else
In short: Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner star as two jaded, struggling comedians in New York City who find solace only in their mutual disdain for the world around them. This American comedy series, which premiered on Hulu in 2015, turns unlikability into an art form, earning critical acclaim for its sharp, mean-spirited humor.
Created by Julie Klausner, the series follows the lives of Julie Kessler and Billy Epstein, two aspiring performers navigating the harsh realities of the New York City comedy scene. The show’s premise centers on their shared cynicism, as they navigate personal and professional relationships with a cast of characters that includes Julie's boyfriend Arthur Tack, played by James Urbaniak, and her mother Marilyn, portrayed by Andrea Martin. The production journey began in May 2014 with a pilot announcement for USA Network, featuring executive production by Amy Poehler. By November 2014, the project moved to Hulu, which granted a straight-to-series order.
The show is noted for its willingness to push boundaries, including its frequent jokes about Kevin Spacey well before public allegations against the actor emerged. This bold comedic approach resonated with critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season secured an 85% approval rating, while the second and third seasons achieved a perfect 100% score from polled critics. Metacritic echoed this positive reception, awarding the first season a score of 76 out of 100 based on 12 reviews, indicating generally favorable sentiment.
Beyond the core duo, the series features a rotating cast of supporting characters, including Billy's co-workers at a cafe, Nate and Denise, played by Derrick Baskin and Gabourey Sidibe, and his colleague Matthew Ellis Ross, portrayed by Cole Escola. The ensemble expanded over time, with actors like John Cho joining the cast in March 2017. Ultimately, the show succeeds by making its deeply unhappy and abrasive protagonists feel strangely relatable, proving that even the most difficult people can provide a compelling and amusing lens through which to view modern life.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Difficult People
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